Preserving our history is a quintessential part of our being. That said, we have to add that our history is wrapped up in many remnants from the past: buildings, cultural traits and practices, books, oral histories, places, holidays, food and the list goes on.

And, of course, many historical references are lost - only because we neglect to save them.

In the case of Victoria Preservation Inc.'s first cookbook, we see a compilation of recipes in a book. Some of the recipes are historic in nature and deserving of being preserved, others are current from residents in the area - also meriting being chronicled. Regardless, this new cookbook, "Culinary Crossroads of South Texas," is a keeper.

The proceeds from the $20 hardback cookbook will go to the general fund of Victoria Preservation Inc.

VPI Executive Director Gary Dunnam said the money generated from the cookbooks will be used to help pay for the maintenance of the historic resources library and rental of the VPI offices.

"Also, the proceeds will help us to continue the annual historic homes tour and cemetery tour," Dunnam said.

We urge residents to purchase the cookbook because it not only is for a good cause, it also contains many delectable delights.

"People submitted recipes from the community. Rubin Frels' (Frels is a Victoria historic theater owner and real estate businessman) mother's cookbook recipes are included. The book has a wide assortment of things," Dunnam said.

Dunnam added that many of the recipes are from his own cookbook.

"They are tried and proven," he said.

Former Victoria County Judge Helen Walker was chairman of the cookbook project. Walker is a member of the VPI board of directors.

Also in the cookbook are numerous ethnic recipes, coming from Crossroads families. Dunnam said the ethnic foods included are German, Czech, Italian, Greek, Mexican and many more.

"It contains a cross section of different ethnic foods," Dunnam said.

We think the cookbook would make a great late Christmas gift. For that matter, the collection of historic and modern recipes and some photos would make a great gift anytime.

This editorial reflects the views of the Victoria Advocate's editorial board.

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HOW TO ACQUIRE COOKBOOK

The Victoria Preservation Inc. cookbook is available for $20 at the organization's office, 205 W. Goodwin Ave. Offices open Tuesday.